Pursuing college is impressive at any age, but especially later in life. You should never avoid studying because of your age. Melanie Salazar, from San Antonio, Texas, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in December 2021.
Her graduation was extra special and everyone was talking about it. And it all was because her grandfather, Rene Neira, also received a degree of recognition in economics.
After Melanie graduated high school in 2017, she attended community college and then enrolled at UTSA. Her grandfather, who had always wanted a degree but had been busy with work and family, decided to join her since he was retired. They often carpooled and studied together.
Due to his declining health, Neira struggled with online courses and didn’t think he could graduate. The week of the ceremony, Melanie’s family asked UTSA if he could receive a degree of recognition, and they agreed.
At first, Neira didn’t want to take away from Melanie’s special moment, but she insisted it would be even more special to share it with him.
Melanie shared with Good Morning America that her grandfather had been working toward a degree since the 1950s but paused his education for family. Though they never had classes together, they often saw each other on campus, ate lunch together, and studied side-by-side. Melanie also helped him with computer work and drove him to school.
They found out Neira could graduate just days before the ceremony. Melanie said, “I told him, ‘This is our moment. I want to share it with you.’ I’m so proud of my grandpa and thankful for this memory.”
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